2 Carlson Parkway Suite 120 Wayzata, MN 55447

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy in Minneapolis, MN

What is Broadband Light (BBL) Treatment?

Broadband Light (BBL) Treatment is a nonsurgical body contouring treatment that heals damaged and discolored skin. Dr. Leslie Smith is proud to now offer BBL treatments to the St. Paul-Minneapolis area at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics. With her certification as a cosmetic physician and training in laser technology, Dr. Smith is more than qualified to administer BBL treatments to her clients with an expert hand.

Unlike traditional laser technology that uses only one single color of light, the BBL laser delivers hundreds of light wavelengths at once to target a wider range of problems and tackle multiple issues simultaneously. This innovative treatment, sometimes called a BBL photofacial, offers comfortable, effective skin rejuvenation fast with no downtime.

BBL treatments can even be used as a form of laser hair removal, offering permanent hair reduction for some patients. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith to figure out how to tailor a BBL treatment to your specific concerns.


What Skin Concerns Can The BBL Laser Treat?

BroadBand Light treatment can be used to rejuvenate skin afflicted by:

  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Age spots
  • Freckles
  • Red spots
  • Rosacea
  • Severe acne
  • Unwanted hair

This type of photo-rejuvenation treatment can be used to target and reduce active acne when combined with a topical medication designed for this purpose. The BBL laser can even be used as a form of laser hair removal, offering permanent reduction of unwanted facial and body hair for some patients.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith to find out how a tailored BBL treatment can address your specific skin concerns.

How Does Broadband Light Work?

The multiple light wavelengths are delivered into the dermal layers simultaneously, targeting the skin blemishes with photothermal energy. Excess pigment and visible blood vessels in the skin absorb the light and are damaged, and the body then naturally repairs the area and eliminates your dark spots and redness.

The underlying layers of skin are heated gently to stimulate your skin cells into producing more collagen. Collagen helps skin maintain its elasticity and youthful plumpness, so increasing collagen production can be advantageous in reversing the effects of aging overall. The entire process is gentle and non-invasive.

What Areas of the Body Can BBL Treatments Rejuvenate?

BBL therapy can be used on any part of the body, even areas that seem difficult to reach. The areas most commonly targeted include the following:

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Shoulders
  • Back of the hands

What To Expect During Broadband Light Therapy

How Long Does The Treatment Take?

BBL facials can be completed in as little as 15 minutes, making the treatment process faster than other IPL devices. Treating the back of the hands takes even less time.

Is Broadband Light Painful?

This procedure is gentle, non-invasive and reasonably comfortable. While most patients say the BBL photofacial is not painful, you may experience minimal discomfort. Patients who have undergone the treatment compare the sensation to a flash of heat or the snap of a rubber band on the skin.

What’s The Treatment Process Like?

First, we will prepare your skin in the target area by cleansing it and applying a clear gel product. Protective lenses will be placed over your eyes to shield them from the laser. We then use the handheld applicator of the BBL device to deliver light flashes to your skin. We pass the device over your skin multiple times as necessary to target your areas of concern.

Is Broadband Light Therapy Safe?

The BBL applicator has a sapphire plate attached that comes in contact with the skin. As the heat from the light transfers to the skin, the contact cooling of the sapphire plate pulls the heat out at the same time, ensuring a safe and effective procedure. Integrated thermoelectric monitoring ensures optimal temperatures are maintained, and consistent, reliable results are achieved by preventing the area from getting too hot or cold.


Broadband Light FAQs

Is an Anesthetic Used During The Treatment?

Discomfort is minimal during BroadBand Light therapy, so an anesthetic will not be required. Topical numbing cream can be provided upon request if you are concerned about being uncomfortable or have sensitive skin.

How Many Photo-rejuvenation Treatments Will I Need?

Multiple treatments are recommended to make a true and lasting impact on the health of your skin. Two to five treatments with at least three- to four-week intervals produce the best effects, and annual touch-ups ensure the skin maintains a youthful appearance for years to come.

The exact number of procedures necessary to address each patient’s specific concerns will vary. Dr. Smith will work with you one-on-one to determine the best course of action for your individual needs, but multiple treatments are always recommended for lasting results.

What Will Recovery Be Like Post-treatment?

While no downtime should be expected following a BBL procedure, the skin will be slightly red and tender during the first week, almost like a mild sunburn. You can apply makeup and resume work and normal activities immediately after your treatment.

How Long Does It Take To See Results From BBL Treatment?

Your skin will begin looking healthier and smoother several days after treatment, and you will be able to see significant improvement in your skin tone and texture after two weeks. Dark spots, redness and acne become less noticeable and will continue to fade.

Can I Get BBL Photofacial If I Have Dark Skin Or A Tan?

BroadBand Light treatments are not recommended for people with dark or tanned skin. The laser light is designed to target excess melanin in the skin that causes pigmentation problems such as dark spots. However, darker skin tones naturally have more melanin, and when light or medium skin tones tan, the skin produces more melanin and becomes darker. The darker pigment in the skin may absorb too much of the laser light and cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Because of this, BBL therapy is only recommended for untanned, lighter skin tones.

If you have a darker skin tone and would like to rejuvenate your skin, we offer other laser treatments like the Micro Laser Peel and ProFractional laser resurfacing.


Eliminate Sun Damage And Acheive An Even Complexion With Broadband Light Therapy

If you’re looking for a cosmetic procedure to rejuvenate your skin near Plymouth or Minneapolis, Dr. Smith and the staff at Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics in Wayzata can determine if BBL is right for you. They believe in patient education and thoroughly explaining your treatment options to find what will be best for your aesthetic goals and needs. We will walk you through every step of the process to ensure you are comfortable and confident in your treatment choice.

To learn more about BroadBand Light therapy treatments in Minnesota and how they can benefit you, contact us by calling 952-460-1970 or filling out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.